When your HVAC system is strained, it can fail prematurely. That’s a big deal and one that we take seriously at Action Air Conditioning. To lengthen the lifespan of your HVAC system, you need to be aware of the top problems that will stress your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
1. Air Filters
Air filters can make or break your HVAC — literally! When you choose the right air filter and change it every 30-90 days, you will keep your HVAC running smoothly.
But when your air filters are dirty, your air conditioning unit and heating unit have to work harder to push air through all of the rooms.
Using the wrong air filter for your system will mimic the effects of a dirty filter. Air cannot readily pass through filters that have a MERV rating between 14 and 20 unless the system has been specifically tweaked to do so.
If you use HEPA filters in your standard HVAC unit, you could be slowly killing it.
2. Dirty Ducts
Like dirty filters, dirty ducts reduce the airflow and cause your HVAC to push itself to perform.
When dust, mold, and pet dander are in the air, it’s heavier than clean air. If the ducts are getting too dirty, they should be replaced.
3. Heat
Heat is an enormous factor that causes your air conditioning unit to be strained. Creating heat inside of your home pushes your air conditioner to make up the difference in cool air.
Constantly running your HVAC forces it to experience additional wear and tear.
When they give a general life expectancy to an air conditioning unit, they calculate the estimate based on the efficient use of the unit. An overworking air conditioner raises your energy cost and shortens the life of the unit dramatically. Overuse can also cause the components of the unit to malfunction.
To reduce the heat in your home:
- Cook and wash dishes in the evening when the temperature outdoors is cooler.
- Use energy-efficient windows, curtains, or blinds to block out the heat of the sun.
- Shut off lights and electronics that get hot like computers, televisions, and gaming systems when not in use.
- Keep your doors closed.
When you take extra steps to maintain a cool temperature in your home or business during the warm weather months, your HVAC should have 2-4 average cycles per hour of 15 minutes on and at least 15 minutes off. If it is not resting very long or at all, call Action Air Conditioning for consultation.
4. Old thermostats
If your old thermostat isn’t giving your HVAC system, the rest it needs, it will run it to the ground. A thermostat should be programmable to give your heating and cooling a much-needed break when you leave the building.
In hot weather, raise the temperature of your thermostat to facilitate warmer temperatures in your house or business when you’re away, but not too warm. You don’t want humidity to build up!
If you own a business, schedule it to shut off just before closing time. Program the thermostat to turn on again one hour before anyone clocks in for the next day. Don’t forget to set a different schedule to save money on heating and cooling costs when you are on vacation!
5. Leaky Ducts
Have you ever tried to blow air out of a broken straw? The force of the air coming out of the other end is weaker as the airflow escapes through the cracks.
Poorly sealed air ducts reduce the air that can come through your vents. It’s pouring out of gaps and cracks and into places that don’t need it.
When your ducts are resealed, the HVAC doesn’t waste its efforts and can work only as much as it has to. Your house or business will be noticeably warmer in the winter and cooler in the warm months.
6. Lack of regular maintenance
Your HVAC system should be serviced once a year — once before the heat goes on and once before the air conditioning kicks in. When you don’t schedule routine maintenance, you risk stressing the system, causing it to fail.
Signs your HVAC is overdue for maintenance include:
- A burning smell
- Running non-stop
- Turning on and shutting off quickly
- Different temperatures in each room
- Leaking fluid
- Higher energy costs
Just as your car needs a tuneup, your HVAC system should receive one too! Preventing expensive repairs or the replacement of an entire unit depends on it.
Action Air Conditioning in the Tampa Bay Area
When your HVAC system is working efficiently, it rewards you with lower energy costs and less frequent repairs (and replacements). If you like saving money (and who doesn’t?) you want your HVAC to last as long as possible and work well.
Call Action Air Conditioning today if your HVAC system is still struggling even after you have taken steps to help it to function at its best. We are here to help!